I had pleasure of asking Brooke Wilson some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Brooke is a phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with poise and beauty. Her love for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 5 years old.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at Miami City Ballet School

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been on pointe for about 7 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Freed of London

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I got involved with ballet as a way to refine my technique for tap and jazz, and ended up loving it

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variations are the harp variation from Balanchine’s Raymonda and the Kitri act III variation from Don Quixote

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

There are so many amazing companies that I would love to work for. Some of my favorites include Boston Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet

Q8: Do you have a favourite memory/moment in ballet?

One of my favorite memories in ballet was performing my first pas de deux at YAGP

Q9: Who are your ballet roles models? Dancers that inspire you.

Some of my favorites are Merrill Ashley, Wendy Whelan, Isabella Boylston, Skylar Brandt, and Tiler Peck

Q10: Best advice you’ve ever received from a teacher?

The best advice I’ve received is that even though you have to focus on technique, you also have to remember to breathe and express joy through your movements

Q11: Advise you’d give a young version of yourself?

Advice I’d give to my younger self would be not to worry about things I can’t control, and focus on improving without stressing about the future as much

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The best thing about being a ballerina is performing for an audience and being able to create art with your body

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The hardest thing is probably how difficult it is to refine the small details of technique while still making it look easy

Q14: It seems like such hard work, did you ever have days growing up where you were like “ugh maybe I’ll just pick an easier career so I can be like a normal teenager”?

I’ve definitely had discouraging moments, but I’ve never thought about giving up. The good moments definitely outweigh any tough ones. Ballet has given me so many unique experiences that I never would have had if I was a ‘normal’ teenager!

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Luckily, I’ve never suffered a serious injury

Q17: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

In my free time I like to hang out with friends and family, go to the beach, hike, and read.